Hamstring injuries are a common problem for everyone with an active lifestyle, not just athletes. They often result in significant downtime, interfering with work, daily activities, exercising, running, and playing sports. If you’re suffering from hamstring pain and are searching for a “physio near me in Dulwich Hill”, Pro Performance Physio is here to help.

Our expert physios specialise in diagnosing, treating, and preventing hamstring injuries, whether you’re a professional athlete, weekend warrior or casual player. Let’s start by exploring different types of hamstring injuries, then move on to the latest research and how physiotherapy optimises your recovery and reduces your risk of re-injury.

Three Degrees of Hamstring Injuries

Hamstring injuries vary in severity, so understanding these differences is key to developing an effective hamstring injury treatment program. According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, these injuries are categorised into three main grades: mild strain, partial tear, and complete tear.

Grade 1: Mild Strain

This involves only minor damage to the muscle fibres. Symptoms include mild hamstring pain and a slight reduction in strength and flexibility. Light activities may continue, but discomfort is common.

Grade 2: Partial Tear

This is a more severe injury involving a partial tear of the muscle fibres. Symptoms include significant hamstring pain, swelling, and bruising. Movement is restricted, and strength is notably decreased.

Grade 3: Complete Tear

This is the most severe of the hamstring injuries, involving a complete muscle rupture. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to bear weight or move the leg. Surgery might be necessary.
Research on Hamstring Injuries in Professional Sports.

Recent studies provide valuable insights into the prevalence, risk factors, and management of hamstring injuries in professional sports.

• Prevalence: Hamstring injuries are common in sports involving sprinting, jumping, and sudden direction changes, such as soccer, rugby, and track and field.
• Risk Factors: Key risk factors include previous hamstring injuries, muscle imbalances, fatigue, inadequate warm-ups, and poor flexibility.
• Management and Prevention: Research highlights the importance of eccentric strengthening exercises, proper warm-up routines, and flexibility training to reduce the risk of these injuries. Early intervention and rehabilitation are also crucial for optimal recovery.

Minimise Your Risk of Hamstring Injuries in 4- Steps

Preventing hamstring injuries requires a comprehensive approach that includes eccentric strengthening exercises, proper warm-ups, flexibility training, and adequate recovery between training sessions.

1. Eccentric Strengthening Exercises
   Exercises that focus on the muscle’s eccentric phase (lengthening under tension) can significantly reduce the incidence of hamstring injuries. Examples include the Nordic hamstring curl and single-leg Romanian deadlifts.
2. Proper Warm-Up
   A thorough warm-up routine is essential to prepare your muscles for high-intensity activities. Dynamic stretching and sport-specific drills enhance the elasticity and readiness of your muscles.
3. Flexibility Training
   Regular stretching maintains good flexibility, preventing muscle tightness and reducing the risk of injury. We suggest you add both static and dynamic stretches to your training routine.
4. Adequate Recovery Time
   Ensuring adequate rest between your training sessions and competitions prevents fatigue-related injuries. Also, monitor your training loads and allow proper recovery time between sessions.

Pro Performance Physio’s Hamstring Injury Treatment Program

Pro Performance Physio’s hamstring injury treatment program is vital in preventing, treating, and rehabilitating hamstring injuries. If you’ve injured your hamstring and are searching for a “physio near me”, call us!

You’ll benefit from our holistic approach, which includes an initial assessment and diagnosis, customised treatment plan, rehabilitation program, strength and conditioning exercises, and collaboration with specialists (if required).

Initial Assessment and Diagnosis

Our experienced physiotherapists conduct a thorough assessment to determine the severity of your hamstring injury (grade 1, 2 or 3). This includes a detailed history, physical examination, and imaging if necessary.
Customised Treatment Plans

Based on your initial assessment, we develop a personalised hamstring injury treatment plan that may include a range of different techniques.

• Manual Therapy: Techniques such as massage, myofascial release, and joint mobilisation may be used to reduce your hamstring pain and promote healing.
• Exercise Plan: A progressive exercise program focusing on restoring strength, flexibility, and function, with a key emphasis on eccentric strengthening exercises.
• Electrotherapy: Modalities like ultrasound and TENS may be used to reduce your hamstring pain and inflammation.
• Education and Prevention: We help prevent re-injury by providing you with a range of strategies, including proper warm-up techniques, stretching routines, and training modifications.

Rehabilitation

Our customised rehabilitation program helps you get back to your life, whether playing sports professionally or just kicking a ball around with the kids on the weekend. We guide you through a set of progressive exercises, gradually increasing their intensity as you recover. This prepares you for the demands of your activities and addresses any underlying issues that may cause a recurrence of your hamstring injury.

Strength and Conditioning

Incorporating strength and conditioning exercises into your rehabilitation program ensures a pain-free return to your daily activities, training or gym routines. Our hamstring injury treatment program is designed to build resilience and improve your overall performance.

Collaboration with Specialists

If further medical intervention is needed, we work closely with reputable specialists to ensure you receive a comprehensive care package that suits your needs. This collaborative approach guarantees the best possible treatment for your hamstring injury.

Why Choose Pro Performance Physiotherapy?

Opting for Pro Performance Physiotherapy in Dulwich Hill means benefiting from our expertise in sports physiotherapy. Here’s why athletes, weekend warriors and casual players trust our hamstring injury treatment program.

• Expertise in Sports Injuries: Our physiotherapists have extensive experience managing sports-related injuries, including hamstring injuries.
• Personalised Care: We create a tailored treatment plan customised to your unique needs, lifestyle and chosen sports.
• Comprehensive Rehabilitation: Our rehabilitation programs are designed to restore full function and minimise the risk of re-injury.
• Collaborative Approach: We work closely with specialists to provide collaborative and coordinated care.

Take the First Step Toward Your Recovery

Hamstring injuries are common yet preventable problems that can occur in anyone with an active lifestyle. However, with a hamstring injury treatment plan customised to your unique needs, you’ll minimise your risk of re-injury and recover safely and quickly.

At Pro Performance Physiotherapy in Dulwich Hill, our sports physios are dedicated to helping you achieve your best performance. So, if you’re experiencing hamstring pain or have suffered a recent injury, contact us or make an online booking today. Let’s get you back on your feet!